PSAC 901 Member Orientation The Union of Graduate
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PSAC 901 Member Orientation The Union of Graduate Teaching Assistants, Teaching Fellows, Research Assistants, and Postdoctoral Scholars at Queens University Welcome! PSAC 901 is situated on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee,
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01
PSAC 901 Member Orientation The Union of Graduate Teaching Assistants, Teaching Fellows, Research Assistants, and Postdoctoral Scholars at Queen’s University Welcome! PSAC 901 is situated on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Wendat peoples.<br>
02
A Union is a legal, democratic organization formed by workers to use their collective strength to have a voice and make positive changes in their working conditions.
Your Identities at Queen’s
As a student, you may receive scholarships or fellowships.
As an employee, you may work as a TA, RA, or TF.
The union’s primary responsibility is to protect your rights as an employee
This protection extends throughout all the years you are working at Queen’s—regardless of how long you study
PSAC 901 is a representative, democratic body made up of you and your colleagues from across Queen’s
Each department has 1–2 stewards (union representatives) who connect members with our local executive committee.
Departments elect their stewards annually, aligned with their Graduate Student Council elections.
The executive committee is elected each year in April. How Your Union Works<br>
Your Identities at Queen’s
As a student, you may receive scholarships or fellowships.
As an employee, you may work as a TA, RA, or TF.
The union’s primary responsibility is to protect your rights as an employee
This protection extends throughout all the years you are working at Queen’s—regardless of how long you study
PSAC 901 is a representative, democratic body made up of you and your colleagues from across Queen’s
Each department has 1–2 stewards (union representatives) who connect members with our local executive committee.
Departments elect their stewards annually, aligned with their Graduate Student Council elections.
The executive committee is elected each year in April. How Your Union Works<br>
03
Collective Bargaining
Collective Bargaining is the process of negotiating a new Collective Agreement with their employer.
A Collective Agreement is a contract negotiated between an employer and a workers’ union.
Benefits
Childcare benefits; Mental health and hardship fund; Gender affirmation fund, etc.
Protection
Grievances, Leaves, Workplace Conflict Resolution
If you have work or study experience elsewhere, you may have accessed/heard of some of the above-mentioned benefits and resources through other kinds of institutions, offices, non-profits, cultural-religious networks, or international associations. Here at Queen’s, these supports can be accessed through PSAC 901. Benefits of being in a Union<br>
Collective Bargaining is the process of negotiating a new Collective Agreement with their employer.
A Collective Agreement is a contract negotiated between an employer and a workers’ union.
Benefits
Childcare benefits; Mental health and hardship fund; Gender affirmation fund, etc.
Protection
Grievances, Leaves, Workplace Conflict Resolution
If you have work or study experience elsewhere, you may have accessed/heard of some of the above-mentioned benefits and resources through other kinds of institutions, offices, non-profits, cultural-religious networks, or international associations. Here at Queen’s, these supports can be accessed through PSAC 901. Benefits of being in a Union<br>
04
In April 2025, PSAC 901 renewed its Collective Agreement with Queen’s University. The agreement will last for three years, expiring in April 2027. Our bargaining efforts resulted in a new Collective Agreement that specifies:
An overall increase of 21.53% in TA/RA/TF wages over the 3-year period
Increased funding for childcare benefits
Recognizing the importance of keeping a workplace free of caste-based discrimination
Etc.
Another round of bargaining will begin in 2026–27, during which we will continue to pursue key bargaining goals such as a more reasonable funding-to-labour ratio, improved housing support, and more.
Where do I find my Collective Agreement?
Unit 1: TA’s, RA’s, & TF’s https://psac901.org/unit-1-collective-agreement/
Unit 2: Post Doctoral Scholars https://psac901.org/unit-2-collective-agreement/ Collective Bargaining<br>
An overall increase of 21.53% in TA/RA/TF wages over the 3-year period
Increased funding for childcare benefits
Recognizing the importance of keeping a workplace free of caste-based discrimination
Etc.
Another round of bargaining will begin in 2026–27, during which we will continue to pursue key bargaining goals such as a more reasonable funding-to-labour ratio, improved housing support, and more.
Where do I find my Collective Agreement?
Unit 1: TA’s, RA’s, & TF’s https://psac901.org/unit-1-collective-agreement/
Unit 2: Post Doctoral Scholars https://psac901.org/unit-2-collective-agreement/ Collective Bargaining<br>
05
Support available through PSAC 901
Childcare bursary
Mental health and hardship fund
Mutual aid fund
Gender affirmation fund
Postdoctoral scholar hardship fund
Employee Assistance Program
Work-hours tracking resources
Watch your employee email and visit psac901.org for application dates and deadlines.
Urgent questions: staffpsac901@gmail.com Benefits<br>
Childcare bursary
Mental health and hardship fund
Mutual aid fund
Gender affirmation fund
Postdoctoral scholar hardship fund
Employee Assistance Program
Work-hours tracking resources
Watch your employee email and visit psac901.org for application dates and deadlines.
Urgent questions: staffpsac901@gmail.com Benefits<br>
06
Grievances
Work-related problems can be resolved through a Grievance Procedure
Members in the Grievance Committee and your Department Steward(s) will assist you through this procedure
“Just Ask” policy: Processes are strictly confidential, and it is always up to you to decide if you want to proceed with a grievance or not.
Sick Leave
Minimum of 12 hours and up to 20 hours of paid sick leave per academic term Protection<br>
Work-related problems can be resolved through a Grievance Procedure
Members in the Grievance Committee and your Department Steward(s) will assist you through this procedure
“Just Ask” policy: Processes are strictly confidential, and it is always up to you to decide if you want to proceed with a grievance or not.
Sick Leave
Minimum of 12 hours and up to 20 hours of paid sick leave per academic term Protection<br>
07
Queen’s Employee 101 All employees must have a contract (e.g., TA Form, RA Form, TF Letter of Appointment, with all the signatures) that complies with the Collective Agreement (16.07b, 16.08b, 16.11)
Sample TA Contract →
General things to check for with your contract:
Contract should detail all assigned duties with estimated hours for each
Make sure you understand all the duties and that the time allocated seems fair
You must receive a copy of your signed contract
Check in with your supervisor halfway through the contract to review how the hours match with your actual labour<br>
Sample TA Contract →
General things to check for with your contract:
Contract should detail all assigned duties with estimated hours for each
Make sure you understand all the duties and that the time allocated seems fair
You must receive a copy of your signed contract
Check in with your supervisor halfway through the contract to review how the hours match with your actual labour<br>
08
Queen’s Employee 101 *This is a good example of a well-explained issuance of hours: it specifies how many assignments the TA is expected to mark and the estimated time for each type of assignment.
*Before signing, ensure that the numbers reflect a reasonable estimate of student enrolment and the time required for each assignment—taking into account factors such as word/page count, expected length of comments, and whether you are required to provide comments at all. Track your hours, so you know if you are close to going over!
Time Tracker: https://psac901.org/time-trackers/
*If the tasks require more hours than expected, request a midpoint review with your supervisor (16.07f, 16.08d).
*DO NOT work beyond the allotted hours specified in your contract without confirming that you will be paid for your work with a new contract (which you have the right to either accept or reject) (16.07 h, 16.08f)<br>
*Before signing, ensure that the numbers reflect a reasonable estimate of student enrolment and the time required for each assignment—taking into account factors such as word/page count, expected length of comments, and whether you are required to provide comments at all. Track your hours, so you know if you are close to going over!
Time Tracker: https://psac901.org/time-trackers/
*If the tasks require more hours than expected, request a midpoint review with your supervisor (16.07f, 16.08d).
*DO NOT work beyond the allotted hours specified in your contract without confirming that you will be paid for your work with a new contract (which you have the right to either accept or reject) (16.07 h, 16.08f)<br>
09
Queen’s Employee 101 *Make sure your contract specifies a reasonable amount of “preparation time.”
*Article 16.09: “Training activity…required as specific to a job or mandated by a Unit…must be within the TA’s/RA’s allotted hours on the TAF/RAF, and will be compensated at the TA’s/RA’s regular rate of pay.” *If attending lectures/giving tutorials is a part of your contract, notice Article 12.02b covers that “the Employer should make reasonable efforts to accommodate your academic work”
*You should be able to negotiate both your tutorial schedule and any lecture attendance requirements.
*Do not miss class/research work for your TA/RA/TFship!<br>
*Article 16.09: “Training activity…required as specific to a job or mandated by a Unit…must be within the TA’s/RA’s allotted hours on the TAF/RAF, and will be compensated at the TA’s/RA’s regular rate of pay.” *If attending lectures/giving tutorials is a part of your contract, notice Article 12.02b covers that “the Employer should make reasonable efforts to accommodate your academic work”
*You should be able to negotiate both your tutorial schedule and any lecture attendance requirements.
*Do not miss class/research work for your TA/RA/TFship!<br>
10
Your Union Steward Your union representative in your department
The list of Department Stewards will be updated on our website: CLICK HERE
Contact:
Your steward can:
Answer questions about your contract and workplace rights
Help you address problems with hours, duties, pay, or accommodations
Connect you with the union’s grievance and representation processes
Bring concerns from your department to Stewards’ Council
No steward in your department? Become one.
Need to contact someone immediately: email staffpsac901@gmail.com<br>
The list of Department Stewards will be updated on our website: CLICK HERE
Contact:
Your steward can:
Answer questions about your contract and workplace rights
Help you address problems with hours, duties, pay, or accommodations
Connect you with the union’s grievance and representation processes
Bring concerns from your department to Stewards’ Council
No steward in your department? Become one.
Need to contact someone immediately: email staffpsac901@gmail.com<br>
11
Get Involved International Workers Committee Contact vpi.psac901@gmail.com
Supports the international graduate workers’ community
Budget Committee Contact treasurer.psac901@gmail.com
Assist the Treasurer in collecting data and preparing a draft budget for the Local
Postdoctoral Scholar Committee Contact vppd.psac901@gmail.com
Develop, communicate, and represent the interests of Bargaining Unit Members in Composite Local 2
Bylaws Committee Contact info.officer.psac901@gmail.com
Assist the Information Officer in reviewing the Bylaws
Research Assistant Committee Contact vpra.psac901@gmail.com
Assist the VP RA(s) in developing, communicating, and representing the interests of Research Assistants
Stewards’ Council held every month Contact leadstewardgeneral.psac901@gmail.com
Become a steward! Open to All Members!
Social Justice/Political Action Committee Contact vpc.psac901@gmail.com and/or equity.psac901@gmail.com
Take direct action against forms of oppression and participate in research and other activities to raise awareness around diversity issues
Occupational Health and Safety Subcommittee Contact safety.psac901@gmail.com
Attend meetings; go for inspections, and report and make recommendations
Grievance Committee Contact leadstewardgeneral.psac901@gmail.com
Advise and assist the Co-lead Stewards in matters involving grievance policy<br>
Supports the international graduate workers’ community
Budget Committee Contact treasurer.psac901@gmail.com
Assist the Treasurer in collecting data and preparing a draft budget for the Local
Postdoctoral Scholar Committee Contact vppd.psac901@gmail.com
Develop, communicate, and represent the interests of Bargaining Unit Members in Composite Local 2
Bylaws Committee Contact info.officer.psac901@gmail.com
Assist the Information Officer in reviewing the Bylaws
Research Assistant Committee Contact vpra.psac901@gmail.com
Assist the VP RA(s) in developing, communicating, and representing the interests of Research Assistants
Stewards’ Council held every month Contact leadstewardgeneral.psac901@gmail.com
Become a steward! Open to All Members!
Social Justice/Political Action Committee Contact vpc.psac901@gmail.com and/or equity.psac901@gmail.com
Take direct action against forms of oppression and participate in research and other activities to raise awareness around diversity issues
Occupational Health and Safety Subcommittee Contact safety.psac901@gmail.com
Attend meetings; go for inspections, and report and make recommendations
Grievance Committee Contact leadstewardgeneral.psac901@gmail.com
Advise and assist the Co-lead Stewards in matters involving grievance policy<br>
12
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your work as a graduate student worker – we are here for you!
Talk to your Steward
Email staff.psac901@gmail.com
Stop by our main office in Robert Sutherland Hall Rm 547 (Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9am-5pm)
Visit our President’s Office Hours (Robert Sutherland Hall Rm 551, Thursdays, 11am-1pm)
Follow us on instagram!
Visit our website: psac901.org Staying Connected Scan this QR code to
add your non-Queen’s email
to our mailing list ⚠️There may be times during your time at Queen’s when you cannot access your employment email—for example, when you’re between contracts, during labour action or an employment dispute, or when access is restricted due to University policies or technical issues. We encourage you to add a personal email address to our mailing list so you can stay connected and continue receiving important updates and announcements from Local 901.<br>
Talk to your Steward
Email staff.psac901@gmail.com
Stop by our main office in Robert Sutherland Hall Rm 547 (Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9am-5pm)
Visit our President’s Office Hours (Robert Sutherland Hall Rm 551, Thursdays, 11am-1pm)
Follow us on instagram!
Visit our website: psac901.org Staying Connected Scan this QR code to
add your non-Queen’s email
to our mailing list ⚠️There may be times during your time at Queen’s when you cannot access your employment email—for example, when you’re between contracts, during labour action or an employment dispute, or when access is restricted due to University policies or technical issues. We encourage you to add a personal email address to our mailing list so you can stay connected and continue receiving important updates and announcements from Local 901.<br>
13
SIGN YOUR RAND CARD
Become a registered PSAC member
You are covered by the Collective Agreement and pay union dues automatically.
Signing a Rand Card formally registers you as a PSAC member in good standing.
Registered members can vote, participate in union decision-making, and access the full rights and benefits of PSAC membership.
It only takes a few minutes.
Scan the QR code to sign your Rand Card Rand Cards<br>
Become a registered PSAC member
You are covered by the Collective Agreement and pay union dues automatically.
Signing a Rand Card formally registers you as a PSAC member in good standing.
Registered members can vote, participate in union decision-making, and access the full rights and benefits of PSAC membership.
It only takes a few minutes.
Scan the QR code to sign your Rand Card Rand Cards<br>